Munchausen Sydrome Byproxy...?

Question

Has anyone known anyone, or been involved in anything regarding Munchausen syndrome byproxy? (when a parent uses illnesses that don't exist to make their child seem always sick. usually it is nothing, and they will continue to take their children to doctor after doctor to make it seem like it's something bad they can't be explained)
My aunt and uncle just lost custody of their 2 children (which my family now has custody of). My aunt was charged with munchausen syndrome byproxy, and they are continuing to fight the case. It is ridiculous - because for years my family has been saying there is something wrong with her...because she always talks about how sick her kids are - and how they haven't been to school in MONTHS!
If anyone has experienced anything like this - we are trying to reach out and find help with coping. We're not sure how to handle all of this.
Any advice is welcomed!

Thank you!

My aunt wasn't charged for poisoning the kids (from what anyone knew, anyway) but she did make up wayyyy too many stories. My little cousin hadn't been to school since september, and she continued to take him for tests - make doctor's appointments in different states for " a second opinion " which actually turned out to be the like, 11th opinion.
After CPS got involved - we found out there were over 20 doctor's involved.

Unfortunately, she won't admit to it - and from some of the material you guys gave to me - denial won't make her any better.
We're hearing we may have the kids for a few years...who knows.
We just found counseling for the kids for free that starts in 2 weeks. We haven't receieved ANY money from neither my aunt nor uncle for help with them - so thankfully we found this free counseling service.
It's hard - because we aren't exactly rich...but it's family, and we love these kids. ya know?

Answer 1

There is some good reference stuff on this site
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/munchausen.html

I think it is very sad to fabricate things about your child's health as my son spent the first 4 years of his life in and out of hospital as he was born with a congenital heart defect, from this he developed a brain abscess and therefore had his fair share of
problems. Thankfully he is a strong and fit 17year old, but looking back I don't know how we all survived the horrible times and I have lots of memories of all the parents we met during this time whose children were severely ill. I have never met or come across anybody with MSBP thankfully and hopefully never will.

I really feel for you and your family, but hopefully now the children are in a nice, stable environment with loving carers.

Answer 2

Frequently M-S-B-P people take their obsession to higher level where they are actually hurting or poisoning their children over and over again to get attention. I really hope that this is not the case with your aunt.
Are the children getting counselling or some sort of psychological support? This is the only suggestion I can make. Good Luck.

Addendum: I am really happy to hear that the children are going for counselling. I cannot imagine how confused they must be right now. Your aunt was getting her overwhelming need for attention and sympathy through her children. In effect she is a sympathy and attention Junky and was using her own children to get her "Fix". I believe this is another form of narcissism. I doubt that she will admit she has a problem, ever. The children are in a safe and nurturing place now thanks to your generosity.
CPS can advise you if you are eligible for some sort of subsidy.

Answer 3

There is an organization that could help. Its called MAMA(Mothers Against Munchausens Association).

Answer 4

My husbands Ex is like that.

Google for M-b-P & there are support group for it.
It's the kids that suffer